The night view from Mount Rokko in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, is considered one of the top three night views in Japan, along with Mount Hakodate (Hokkaido) and Mount Inasa (Nagasaki). Often called the “Ten Million Dollar View”, it offers a breathtaking panorama of the Osaka Bay area, Kobe city lights, and even as far as Osaka and Kansai International Airport on a clear night.
Location & Access
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Mount Rokko rises to about 931 meters (3,054 ft) and sits on the northern edge of Kobe, overlooking Osaka Bay.
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Access from Kobe:
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From Sannomiya Station, take the Hankyu Kobe Line to Rokko Station, then a bus to Rokko Cable Shita, and ride the Rokko Cable Car up the mountain.
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Access from Osaka: About 1 hour by train.
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Private cars and taxis can also reach the observation points, but parking may be limited on busy nights.
Observation Spots & Facilities
1. Rokko Garden Terrace
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The most popular night-view area on Mount Rokko.
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Features several observation decks, restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops.
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Designed in a European-style garden layout, blending architecture with nature.
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Multiple viewpoints allow for different perspectives of Kobe’s glittering cityscape.
2. Tenran Observatory (天覧台)
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Near the Rokko Cable Car station.
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Famous as the spot where Emperor Showa admired the view, hence the name “Tenran” (Imperial Viewing).
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Offers wide views of Kobe city and Osaka Bay.
3. Mount Maya Kikuseidai (摩耶山・掬星台) (part of the Rokko range)
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Known for perhaps the most beautiful night view in Kansai.
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The name means “a platform for scooping stars with your hands”, emphasizing the glittering effect of the lights below.
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Reachable by the Maya Cable Car and Ropeway, or via hiking trails.
What You Can See at Night
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Kobe Port: Illuminated ships and cranes highlight the city’s maritime heritage.
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Harborland & Mosaic Ferris Wheel: A colorful landmark in the distance.
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Osaka Bay: Lights stretching across the water, with reflections that enhance the scenery.
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Osaka city: On clear nights, the skyline of Osaka is visible.
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Kansai International Airport (KIX): Watch planes take off and land like fireflies in the distance.
Best Time to Visit
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Evening to late night: The view is stunning just after sunset as the city lights gradually appear, but it becomes most dramatic after full darkness.
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Winter nights: The air is clearer and drier, creating sharper views.
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Summer nights: Slightly hazier but warmer and more comfortable for evening outings.
Extra Activities on Mount Rokko
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Dining with a view: Some restaurants and cafés at Rokko Garden Terrace offer panoramic window seating, perfect for romantic dinners.
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Rokko-Shidare Observatory: An architectural masterpiece designed by Hiroshi Sanbuichi, offering a unique experience with seasonal light displays.
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Daytime attractions: Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, Rokko Music Box Museum, and Rokko Snow Park (in winter).
Why Visit Mount Rokko’s Night View?
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Recognized as one of the great night views of the world.
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Easily accessible from both Kobe and Osaka.
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Offers a mix of romance, photography, and relaxation.
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A must-visit spot to understand why Kobe is often called a “city of lights.”
Traveler’s Tip:
Bring a jacket, even in summer, as the mountaintop air can be cool at night. For the best experience, combine a late-afternoon visit (with hiking or museum stops) and stay until nightfall to watch the transformation from sunset to sparkling city lights.
Related articles
Official Website
https://kobe-rokko.jp/en/nightview/
Accommodation sites
Agoda
